tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42474096572006759282024-02-20T19:18:10.371-06:00Less Words, More LoveFinding authentic love in a world of cheap grace.Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-73478608413679782222011-05-04T12:49:00.007-05:002011-05-04T13:17:29.391-05:00Frugal Gardening 101- Humble Beginnings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fAVjWUmww6vBjeQ9-RMOhVV22sEtcYCyzJ91EtIQPot6v3rKnr6c4dRfygYbhjTBBAArDdK9Py3tGauTyNwg2z0n4R2NXPjxKnzRLCGWZv6Bdl0gatpl7CgJN7b7NKW3dGOSmGMZMBU/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fAVjWUmww6vBjeQ9-RMOhVV22sEtcYCyzJ91EtIQPot6v3rKnr6c4dRfygYbhjTBBAArDdK9Py3tGauTyNwg2z0n4R2NXPjxKnzRLCGWZv6Bdl0gatpl7CgJN7b7NKW3dGOSmGMZMBU/s320/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602924896673904274" border="0" /></a>Finally, something blooming!<br /><br /><br />I posted back in March about our garden aspirations for this year. Since then, we've had a few obstacles come up. Our first batch of seeds did fantastic, but our cats decided the little seedlings looked delicious and ate the tops of all but one. Sigh. So, we started over.<br /><br />Then as April rolled around, the old adage about April showers really proved to be true. We had several weeks of nonstop rain and cloudy days. The ground couldn't be tilled, and is just today being done. Although I can't really complain about storms and rain, compared to the devastation the folks down south are dealing with.<br /><br />So, today we're tilling the ground and getting started planting the cool weather crops. Potatoes, onions, garlic, lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, turnips, radishes, peas and cabbage will be planted over the next few days. We have 6 varieties of tomatoes, jalapenos and bell peppers, and eggplant growing in our basement under a grow light.<br /><br />Here they are, and check out our super professional setup:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-hQVVUmFkJ2_pPiJpQbPcZbxSMV3bbaZQGwBkex5QjssLlweWWlNZy8IkXGymU2_J0GK1fPXlqsAgkrHtQhFmbWk_EkIAp5EQorQK_hDQhk83kqPZztnw9_FryutYQdo_QYz4Z4hrEM/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-hQVVUmFkJ2_pPiJpQbPcZbxSMV3bbaZQGwBkex5QjssLlweWWlNZy8IkXGymU2_J0GK1fPXlqsAgkrHtQhFmbWk_EkIAp5EQorQK_hDQhk83kqPZztnw9_FryutYQdo_QYz4Z4hrEM/s320/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602923562454934754" border="0" /></a>There on the left is the lone tomato plant that survived the Kitty Massacre of 2011, all of the others are still pretty young. Hopefully they will be ready to go outside at the end of this month.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVuJ4zwgX9GfWpYlKpHHGm9bPOkl0sUuQHoa1T638-OqquY2EX_-VEM6EJtxkinEkQi59l-8MJCJWXr0ntTSRMgkxqjdRI3cvNFZCYM_fvutyVrQeRoKcBY45qDuUfvHNS2_NEM9BBtw/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVuJ4zwgX9GfWpYlKpHHGm9bPOkl0sUuQHoa1T638-OqquY2EX_-VEM6EJtxkinEkQi59l-8MJCJWXr0ntTSRMgkxqjdRI3cvNFZCYM_fvutyVrQeRoKcBY45qDuUfvHNS2_NEM9BBtw/s320/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602924172160814178" border="0" /></a><br />If you see the spot in the back, that was a shed we tore down to expand our garden. The plot up front is last year's garden, which will we use as well. The new garden will go from the back of the fence, up to the tree.<br /><br /><br />A local guy we know has a huge tiller and will come do the yard for about $20, which is much cheaper than renting or buying a tiller. He's coming today, and I'm super excited! Then we can finally get some things in the ground. Hopefully in the next few weeks we'll be dining on fresh from the garden lettuce, spinach, kale and radishes!<br /><br /><br />This post is linked to <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/frugal-gardening-plant-buying-tip">Frugal Gardening 101</a> at <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/">The Finer Things in Life</a>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-80317796417977323272011-05-04T12:12:00.005-05:002011-05-04T12:48:43.601-05:00Stepping Into The Coupon WorldFor years I've marveled at the coupon divas who could get such great stuff for so little. I've considered trying coupons, but it always seemed so confusing and overwhelming. Plus, we're trying to get away from processed foods. This is what I've told myself every time I considered diving in. This past Sunday, we were getting gas and I ran in to pay. The Sunday papers were staring at me, and I impulsively bought one. We've got a 3 month totally unpaid maternity leave coming up, so stocking up on some essentials seemed like a good idea. Here's what I've found so far:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tAT9Z03gS7Bu60Ewm_04gavwwuvTnxMEj3ZK4uQQwHIql2_BNvkXDe9aQdXjXY5MGfdJm8RJ4r4CloV5sdLW72YTQILwrxL9-dGdrXQ497gQdhYM0TyADLjtydOVio1ciI3HC6cikTs/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tAT9Z03gS7Bu60Ewm_04gavwwuvTnxMEj3ZK4uQQwHIql2_BNvkXDe9aQdXjXY5MGfdJm8RJ4r4CloV5sdLW72YTQILwrxL9-dGdrXQ497gQdhYM0TyADLjtydOVio1ciI3HC6cikTs/s320/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602911716966291650" border="0" /></a><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Target:</span><br /><br />Pantene Mousse & Hair Gel- $3.50/each<br />$3/Two Coupon From Sunday Paper<br />= 2/$4<br />Gillette Mach 3 Razors- on sale for $6.74<br />B1G1 Coupon From Paper<br />=$6.74/2<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Kroger:</span><br /><br />Ivory Body Wash- On Sale $10/10<br />$1/1 Manufacturer Coupon<br />=Free! I was pretty excited about this one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >CVS:</span><br /><br />I finally signed up for an Extra Care Bucks card, and found a promotion that would give me a bunch of ECB's to start off with.<br /><br />Maalox & Benefiber- Buy $20 in Maalox, Prevacid, Benefiber and get 10 ECB<br />Dawn- On Sale for .99<br />.25 Manufacturer Coupon<br />= .74<br />Dawn Plus- On Sale .99<br />.50 Manufacturer Coupon<br />=.49<br /><br />So I wound up with 2 super cheap Dawn dish soaps, and $10 in ECB to use on my next purchase. My goal is to buy things that earn ECB's WITH my ECB's and hopefully get them for free or nearly so.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Walmart:</span><br /><br />Glade Spring Collection Candle- On Sale $2.50<br />Up to 3.99 Free Manufacturer Coupon<br />= FREE! Love that.<br />Air Wick Air Freshener- On Sale .97<br />B1G1 Manufacturer Coupon x2<br />= .48/each<br />Gillette Mach 3 Razors On Sale $6.50<br />B1G1 Manufacturer Coupon<br />=6.50/2 ( My husband flies through razors so this was a GREAT deal)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Cub Foods:</span><br /><br />Equaline Bandages- .69 with in-store coupon<br /><br />Duncan Hines Brownie Mix- On Sale w/in-store coupon .77<br />.50/1 Manufacturer Coupon<br />=.27<br /><br />Crest ProClinical Toothpaste- On Sale $3.06<br />$2/1 Manufacturer Coupon<br />= $1.06<br /><br />Kashi Cereal- On Sale 2/$4<br />$1/1 Manufacturer Coupon x2<br />=$1 ea<br /><br />LOVE this one. Kashi is some of my favorite cereal but is always pricey.<br /><br />Not Pictured:<br />Ocean Spray Juice- On Sale 2/$4<br />Buy 2 and get 4pk Ocean Spray Sparkling Juice FREE<br /><br />I did this deal, but they were out of the sparking juice, so the hubby is going back today to get that. However, as I was searching for them, I found coupons for $1/1 and they are also on sale for 2/$4. So we will get our free 4 pack, plus another for $1. THEN I noticed as I checked out that a store coupon printed for $1 off my next shopping trip. So we'll get two four packs for free! Pretty sweet.<br /><br /><br />This week has been pretty fun, I think I may be hooked! Last night I finally got our printer up and running ( so I can print coupons, of course :) and think I'll keep going with this. One thing I quickly realized is the need for a binder and a system. Fumbling through a pile of coupons at the store is no fun. What do you think? Do you coupon? Or is it just too confusing/too much work?Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-66321223878264837612011-05-01T22:23:00.003-05:002011-05-01T22:38:16.703-05:00Menu Plan Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTHcvjci_mGKEODIr7napAxzVhPxUOQbrk6aBqjEMsjz_8X30Cycx_CppY8-LR7WkwuyrbpUUbkYLec37m5ubvCfzS4-8F7jFg57CoipJ0CQj4zCOjV0qM556ZlnvBURQAh0cAIz7veA/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTHcvjci_mGKEODIr7napAxzVhPxUOQbrk6aBqjEMsjz_8X30Cycx_CppY8-LR7WkwuyrbpUUbkYLec37m5ubvCfzS4-8F7jFg57CoipJ0CQj4zCOjV0qM556ZlnvBURQAh0cAIz7veA/s320/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601957775751801490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While I didn't stick to any specific plan last week, I did cook at home, so that's a definite win. But this week I'm going to get back on the organization bandwagon!<br /><br />Monday- Lasagna, Broccoli, Garlic bread ( I'll be at work so hubby will heat up)<br />Tuesday- Crockpot Chicken Tacos<br />Wednesday- Chicken Rice Casserole, Broccoli<br />Thursday- Pecan Crusted Catfish, Rice pilaf,Salad<br />Friday-Pizza<br />Saturday-Steaks on the grill, Baked Potato, Salad<br />Sunday- Mothers Day dinner with family<br /><br />One night this week I'll also be making a super easy recipe for fruit cobbler that I found in one of the cookbooks I received as a wedding gift. It took virtually no time to prep and was really yummy! Even my chocoholic husband enjoyed it ( with a scoop of ice cream on top, of course)<br /><br />Our blender is on the verge of dying, so I'm on the hunt for a new, high-quality replacement. Apparently all of our <a href="http://lesswordsmorelove.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-frugal.html">green smoothie</a>-making puts a blender through quite the torture test. Any suggestions? We want to keep going with these because both of us have seen noticeable benefits in our energy levels and overall health!<br /><br /><br />This post is linked to Menu Plan Monday at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">I'm An Organizing Junkie</a>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-75553517242968414522011-04-27T21:26:00.004-05:002011-04-27T21:40:52.629-05:00Naptime<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf89AUoUWyO5bvPJ2uIiHI9zhVHDbkoXFRyLqQ4PXyrRb1oOqd7xan0pWY9HlcOcBkD6bBrXDjiv1K4lk2pzm4r8QmnVC5nB6qkO5Jp72tqrE3dNw1C-QMZRxQ9q5GjAjzGrOfVp8tSU/s1600/works+for+me+wednesday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf89AUoUWyO5bvPJ2uIiHI9zhVHDbkoXFRyLqQ4PXyrRb1oOqd7xan0pWY9HlcOcBkD6bBrXDjiv1K4lk2pzm4r8QmnVC5nB6qkO5Jp72tqrE3dNw1C-QMZRxQ9q5GjAjzGrOfVp8tSU/s320/works+for+me+wednesday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600458846608045810" border="0" /></a><br />Sooooo........apparently keeping up on menu plans and blogging aren't on the agenda for this week. There is SO MUCH to do around here. I'm quite honestly overwhelmed. Every day I make a new list of what we need to do inside the house, outside of the house, and before the baby comes.<br /><br />1. Paint Evie's new room and nursery<br />2. Find& purchase big girl bed<br />3. Find & purchase ( through the classifieds, consignment shops or Craigslist) a crib for my parents, a glider for me, and a swing for the baby<br />4. Pull weeds & plant new flowers<br />5. Plant garden ( if it ever.dries.up.)<br />6. Organize the garage<br />7. Find curtains and blinds for 4 different rooms ( yes, its kind of like living in a fish bowl. apologies to the neighbors.)<br />8. Finally hang the pictures and prints on the walls ( our walls have been totally bare since we moved back in, um, September?)<br />9. Organize and separate clothing to donate ( working on it)<br />10. Install ceiling fan in our room, pedestal sink and ceiling tiles in the downstairs bath<br /><br />..And about 50 other things. Ahh!<br /><br />Today I was off work, so the munchkin and I grocery shopped and went for my appointment with the midwife. After that, I was beat. Beyond exhausted. I forgot that this happens in the 3rd trimester? So what did I do? Work furiously through her nap and get TONS done?<br /><br />Nope. I napped too. And it was glorious.<br /><br />So today, that <a href="http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/worksforme_wednesday/index.html">Works For Me</a>.Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-68711868479130475352011-04-20T09:13:00.004-05:002011-04-20T09:47:54.287-05:00Real Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JmWc3Vm-YRRRoyx-HFDBbHEQD4jR-JoVGCjMNEKyJ7-k1sLph58purYwruPqGurdtFIgfaWQMdQ5CO7VUT_ao6HzYl1-XvOc5gv3SQ2vCyOqcbxXSIEiVjiaFmy51LeCxVhHs1aCrWs/s1600/farmers-market.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JmWc3Vm-YRRRoyx-HFDBbHEQD4jR-JoVGCjMNEKyJ7-k1sLph58purYwruPqGurdtFIgfaWQMdQ5CO7VUT_ao6HzYl1-XvOc5gv3SQ2vCyOqcbxXSIEiVjiaFmy51LeCxVhHs1aCrWs/s320/farmers-market.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597671320407901682" border="0" /></a><a href="http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2008/02/22/why-eating-locally-really-is-a-silver-bullet/"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Photo Credit</span></a><br /><br />Several years ago, I picked up The Omnivore's Dilemma out of curiosity. Little did I know how shocked and dismayed I would be after learning the real history of food here in America. I implemented a few changes in my diet, filed away the rest of the information, and moved on.<br /><br />Last year I finally decided to really attempt to change our diets, and little by little, have worked in new changes. It really is a struggle though. Where we live ( central Illinois) is dominated by large chain supermarkets, with a small health food store here and there. While I enjoy visiting them, the prices are totally cost prohibitive to us at this point.<br /><br />So what can we do, as a family on a budget? The answer, for us has been to pick and choose. We can't go and buy everything 100% organic, but we can purchase differently. It has kind of been a transition to 'whole foods' more than anything. I started purchasing whole wheat flour and baking our own bread. Ideally we'd buy wheat berries and grind our own, but I've yet to find a decent grain mill that isn't outrageously expensive. Ideas, anyone?<br /><br />We switched from margarine to olive oil and butter. I've heard many people singing the praises of coconut oil, but I'll admit I don't know much about it. No white tortillas, or pretty much white anything. We stopped purchasing white, refined sugar and have instead opted for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_brown_sugar">Turbinado </a>sugar and honey. I try to avoid artificial flavors and colors, but I'm not perfect on that yet. I haven't cut out all white flour, because some recipes really need some to come out correctly, so I've at least switched to unbleached in that department.<br /><br />Call me naive, but I never realized how bad lunch meats really are, and I love a good turkey sandwich. We found one <a href="http://www.hormelnatural.com/">brand</a> that has no artificial preservatives, nitrates being the main offender. Its a bit more expensive so we don't buy it as often, which is probably a good thing.<br /><br />Beyond more conscientious shopping, we've simply quit eating out as often and cook at home. Sounds simple, but it helps enormously. When I make the meal, I can choose what goes into it. Most restaurant food is insanely unhealthy. Have you ever looked at the nutrition information from Chilis? I think I cried. My favorite 'salad' had more fat and calories than some of their fried stuff! So depressing. We still have an occasional meal out, but have really come to love cooking at home. Not to mention the savings! Even with buying healthier food, making it yourself is so much cheaper than a restaurant!<br /><br />Its definitely a slow progression. We still buy supermarket meat, although in quantities not nearly as big as before. This year we'll be purchasing part of a local, grassfed cow, and part of a local hog. The farm from which we get our CSA sells chickens, so I'd like to get a few of those as well. On Craigslist yesterday I found a local guy selling an upright deep freeze and I think we're going to snag it up! That means I can freeze/can/preserve what we grow and actually have space for it. I don't really know what I'm doing, but there are so many great resources online that walk your through, step by step.<br /><br />What do you think? Have you made any steps ( no matter how small) to move toward a more 'real' foods diet?Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-22415584561679265172011-04-15T12:33:00.004-05:002011-04-15T13:12:35.084-05:00Why I...Don't Have Cable<a href="http://www.vanderbiltwife.com/" target="_blank" title="Vanderbilt Wife"><img src="http://i592.photobucket.com/albums/tt1/vanderbiltwife/umbrellaboy.jpg" alt="Why I..." /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />1. Money.<br />When we had Comcast, it was running us approx. $100 a month . More than we can afford to pay at this stage in the game. That's over $1,200 a year just to have the box in the house. What debt could I have paid off or what amount could I have saved in all of those years? Yikes.<br /><br />2. Time.<br />TV was taking over our lives, even if we didn't really notice it. I could get sucked into TLC or HGTV for hours a day, and my husband would stay up super late just to catch a re-run of some show that really didn't matter.<br /><br />3. Reading<br />I'm an avid reader, or so I used to be. But more often than not I'd just flip on the TV and stare at it mindlessly for a few hours. Between working and caring for a baby, laying on the couch and zoning out seemed easier.<br /><br />4. My Daughter<br />At 20 months, my toddler still has no idea about kids shows. She doesn't know who Barney is or watch the Backyardigans. She loves to read and will spend the day outside getting muddy, playing with babies, or pretending to cook like Mommy.<br /><br />5. Being Careful of What We See<br />I realize that one has full control over what is viewed, and can turn it off at any time. I'm one of those people who loves crime shows, and Criminal Minds is my absolute favorite. I can watch episode after episode. But one thing my husband pointed out is that I wind up being fearful afterward. I become more paranoid about locking doors and windows ( not necessarily a bad thing), and worried about a boogeyman around every corner ( bad thing). What is the saying? What you put in, you get out? Deliberately putting things in my head that lead to a spirit of fear can't be positive or edifying. At least in my scaredy-cat case :) Not that I won't ever watch Criminal Minds again, I've just benefited from not having it available 24/7.<br /><br />Lest you think I'm being legalistic, know that I understand the day will come that Evie WILL want to watch movies and shows for kids, and that's okay. I just love the idea that she is learning how to play and learn and imagine without needing TV. And sometimes, not having cable has its downsides. Last weekend we went to a drive-in with some friends and their son. We saw Hop. Well, I use the term ' we' loosely. *I* spent the movie chasing a toddler around, and around, and around. Occasionally she would glance at the screen and say ' bunny' or ' chickie', but that's it. She wasn't having it. Her attention span for watching even a kids movie isn't there.<br /><br />We've saved a lot of money by not having a cable bill to pay, and if I really MUST watch the new episode of Law & Order, I can use the digital box and pick up a local channel. But one of the neatest things I've noticed is how our family time has changed. My husband, instead of sitting in the recliner and falling asleep, now works on projects around the house. I'm back into reading. We go on more walks as a family. I cook more and spend time researching recipes. We spent 3 hours the other night plotting out our garden, never switching the TV on.<br /><br />I love technology and don't think TV is bad, but this has been a really good choice for our family.<br /><br />** Side note, I am truly thankful you can find most TV episodes online, because occasionally there is a show I'm just dying to check out. Extreme Couponing? Yesss.**<br /><br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.vanderbiltwife.com/">Vanderbilt Wife</a> for more stories of those participating in this really fascinating series!Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-1413501938487960922011-04-13T16:05:00.002-05:002011-04-13T16:15:41.870-05:00T-I-R-E-DWhew. Apparently I've forgotten how wiped out pregnancy can make you! I've been working a ton, and working weird hours. I had a day off today, and after a midwife appointment, grocery trip and a few other errands..I'm exhausted! So much for Menu Plan Monday, but here's Menu Plan Wednesday?<br /><br />Wednesday: tortilla-crusted cod fish tacos, homemade pico de gallo, spanish rice, salad<br /><br />Thursday: grilled chipotle pork chops, roasted red potatoes, broccoli<br /><br />Friday: homemade pizza, salad<br /><br />Saturday: lasagna, garlic bread, salad<br /><br />Sunday: TBA- probably dinner with family<br /><br /><br />On a side note, do any of you shop at club stores? Do you find them to be a good value or a waste of money? My mom has a Sam's Club membership, and I went with her today. I found some excellent deals on bulk walnuts, almonds, oats, yeast, frozen fruit, cheese, etc. But the whole experience left me a bit overwhelmed. I could tell many of the items weren't really a ' good deal', they were just uber big sizes. I so wish we had a Costco around here, but Sam's is it :(Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-76536268377669728972011-04-06T11:41:00.002-05:002011-04-06T12:01:39.235-05:00Faith Like a ChildLast night, I overheard my husband reading our 19 month old daughter her bedtime story. As the book finished up and he closed it, she responded with an enthusiastic ' Amen!.' I definitely felt my heart melting.<br /><br />But it really got me thinking about the search we've been on for the last few years. We haven't really had what I'd call a church 'home' since we've been married. Part of this has been because we've both had major problems with what I'd call 'traditional' church and its structure. We're more fans of a simple church model, with less emphasis on the regular church trappings. Things like 5-6 pastors, youth groups, a big building, lots of employees, nurseries where your child has to have a computerized name tag to keep track of him/her, even the landscaping companies hired to care for the church grounds. Not that these things are wrong per se, but we've more affinity with a smaller, closely knit, New-Testament style gathering. Ultimately where we probably belong is a house church, but neither of us feel we're ready or qualified to start something like that right now.<br /><br />That being said, we live in the heart of Illinois, in a white collar town literally brimming with large churches and their equally large budgets. We spent a few years at one church, but it didn't feel right, so we kept looking. And looking. Finally, a few months ago I stumbled upon a small gathering of families, and it seemed promising. We've been attending and slowly getting to know people. There is no nursery or kids church, so that has been an interesting challenge. Toddlers generally don't like to sit still for an hour or more, but we're making progress. A lot of the families home school, and we haven't for sure decided what to do with school for our kids. But the people are very loving, and the teaching and emphasis on raising Godly families is spot on. When the women there learned we were expecting our 2nd ( while having virtually just met us), they were thrilled and already talking about a baby shower! Crazy. There are virtually no 'programs', but occasional men or women's breakfasts, a couples Bible study, etc. Something I love- the pastor has a full time job outside of the church. He is paid no salary. They have no building. Tithes and offerings can be spent however they choose in the community, which I think is fantastic.<br /><br />I'm cautiously hopeful that maybe we've found our home for now. Tomorrow night we are having dinner with the pastor and his family, to get to know one another better and talk over some issues. Community is so essential in the life of a believer, and we've been sorely lacking it for several years. Much of the time I feel as though I'm fumbling around in the dark when it comes to being a wife and mother, so the prospect being able to look to older, more experienced women is super exciting. So if you're the praying kind, maybe say a little pray that our dinner goes well and we'd be willing to go ahead and dive in?Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-11016016819403801722011-04-04T15:46:00.003-05:002011-04-04T16:19:29.601-05:00Menu Plan Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79HJ7aqLt7MMl4eBTrWVsmSMtRYZos2A19tXtCylAVJPtfjZ3MNIv6I9-6-YNbHCUhpKbplOw3Cy2NrCKjQx8eg6RqneesPAPTePcV4D6DrbjtJCLgPQnnUJ5Un6zvS3JvUoLy8kE2Op-/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79HJ7aqLt7MMl4eBTrWVsmSMtRYZos2A19tXtCylAVJPtfjZ3MNIv6I9-6-YNbHCUhpKbplOw3Cy2NrCKjQx8eg6RqneesPAPTePcV4D6DrbjtJCLgPQnnUJ5Un6zvS3JvUoLy8kE2Op-/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Adam/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Adam/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Adam/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Adam/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.png" alt="" /><br />Last week's menu plan went pretty well, and we mostly stuck to it. It really is nice to have a little bit of organization . Its especially nice to know ahead of time what I can use up, so I'm not running to the store for a last minute item. Although I did run to the store because I forgot skewers for the kebabs..oops. But I'm improving! I did big grocery shopping last Thursday so we're set for a while, and have some leftovers. The main thing I'm doing is trying to incorporate more leafy greens ( a goal we're constantly working on), as well as adding more beans to our diet. My husband is quite the carnivore, but he's expressed interest in eating more fish and even going meatless on some meals. I figure it will cut down on the amount of fat we eat, and will help the grocery budget. A win-win.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span><br /><br />Black bean/corn quesadillas on whole wheat tortillas, grilled veggies ( we had some left over from this weekend), Mexican rice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.vanderbiltwife.com/2011/04/tilapia-with-honey-tangerine-sauce.html">Tilapia with Honey-Tangerine Sauce </a>( From Jessie @ <a href="http://www.vanderbiltwife.com/">Vanderbilt Wife</a>), wild rice, spinach salad<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span><br /><br />Crock Pot Chicken & Potatoes, Salad ( I will be working 3-11:30pm, so I'll make up ahead for hubby & daughter)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Dinner with the pastor & his wife of the new church we've been attending<span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span>His wife insisted I not bring anything- sweet!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Friday</span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://familystampingfood.blogspot.com/2011/03/recipe-white-beans-tomatoes-spinach.html">White Bean, Tomato and Spinach Pasta</a> ( from Candi @ <a href="http://familystampingfood.blogspot.com/">Family, Stamping & FOOD! </a> ), toasted homemade ( via bread machine) garlic bread<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday:</span><br /><br />Homemade pizza- turkey sausage, whatever veggies we have leftover from previous meals, cheese, olives. Yum!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Sunday</span>:<br /><br />Marinated grilled pork tenderloin, green rice bake, spinach salad, crusty bread<br /><br /><br />I will post the recipe for the green rice bake sometime soon. My mom has made it for years, and it has always been a favorite of mine. I've been experimenting with my newly purchased bread machine and I hope to have some pictures up soon of my endeavors. For whatever reason, I've been completely slacking with photos since last Fall. I blamed all day sickness at first, but now I'm just being lazy.<br /><br />Have a great week!Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-60241923835580063642011-04-02T18:35:00.003-05:002011-04-02T18:43:40.636-05:00Bread Machine SuccessThis winter I decided that I really wanted to try making my own bread. Not having a clue what to do, I started with pizza dough. Then I moved to dinner rolls, and those were a relative success. But what I really wanted was a bread machine to make some 'real' bread. You know, the kind you slice and use to make sandwiches. I wasn't about to spend the $$$ on a brand new machine, and decided I'd wait until garage sale season rolled around. I went to my first sale yesterday morning, and what was the first thing I saw? A really nice bread machine, and for 5 bucks! I snagged it up and today tried some Cinnamon bread. It was good, but I wanted a white/wheat blend for slicing. So I next tried this recipe, and it was awesome! Light and fluffy and really yummy. Here's the recipe for anyone who might be interested:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Bread Machine Bread</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;"><ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 tablespoons white sugar</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 (.25 ounce) package bread machine yeast</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/4 cup vegetable oil</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 3 cups bread flour</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 teaspoon salt</li></ul> </div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><br /><br />Place the water, sugar and yeast in the pan of the bread machine. Let the yeast dissolve and foam for 10 minutes. Add the oil, flour and salt to the yeast. Select Basic or White Bread setting, and press Start. </span> <br /><br />I swapped one cup of whole wheat flour for one of bread flour. Next time I might up it to 2 and see if we still like it. It really was that simple, and I *really* had no idea what I was doing!Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-74598119030306211542011-03-28T11:35:00.002-05:002011-03-28T11:46:45.996-05:00Marinade For Veggies/ChickenAs soon as there is a *hint* of warmth in the air, we bring out the grill. With high's only in the 40's all this week, it certainly doesn't feel like Spring, but that won't stop us. We grill lots of things, but my personal favorite is veggies. In fact, when we started eating healthier, grilling was the only way I could get my husband to eat lots of vegetables! Most of the time I just chop and toss with a little olive oil, pepper and maybe garlic, but lately I've been trying marinades. This is what I'm using for our <a href="http://lesswordsmorelove.blogspot.com/2011/03/menu-planning-monday.html">Chicken and Veggie Kebabs</a> later this week.<br /><br />2 TBS Red Wine Vinegar<br />2 TBS Lemon Juice<br />3 TBS Olive Oil<br />1 TBS Fresh Basil, chopped ( or dried)<br />1 TBS Fresh Parsley, chopped ( or dried)<br />1 TBS Dijon Mustard<br />2 Cloves Garlic, minced<br />Salt & Pepper, to taste<br /><br />Veggies<br />2 cups zucchini, sliced<br />2 cups mushrooms, halved<br />2 cups sweet onion, quartered and pulled into chunks 2-3 layers thick<br />Chicken breast or Tenders, cut into roughly 1 inch chunks<br /><br />** Lots of other veggies can be used. We like potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus, red/yellow/orange/green peppers, etc *<br /><br />Directions- Mix together marinade ingredients, and pour over veggies arranged in a shallow pan. Refrigerate 2-4 hours ( or longer! Sometimes I leave it overnight)<br /><br />Arrange veggies/chicken on skewers, and grill for approx. 15-20 minutes depending on how hot your grill is.<br /><span style="font-family:Arial, Verdana, Sans-Serif;font-size:85%;color:black;"><br /> </span>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-24520456491551906912011-03-28T11:16:00.005-05:002011-03-28T14:30:18.162-05:00Menu Plan MondayThis week, I'm actually going to be home more than I'm at work, so I'm going to attempt a 'real' menu plan. Sadly,when I work a lot of nights, like I have been lately, it ends up being a free for all. Earlier in the week I'm going to be trying to use up what we have in the freezer/pantry, and go grocery shopping on Thursday or Friday.<br /><br />Breakfasts: <a href="http://lesswordsmorelove.blogspot.com/2011/03/healthy-frugal.html">Green Smoothies</a>, Scrambled Eggs, Baked Oatmeal, Fruit, Yogurt<br />Lunch: Grilled Cheese on wheat, Vegetable Soup, Turkey Sandwiches, Veggie sticks<br /><br />Dinner:<br />Monday: Crock Pot Beef roast, Steamed Broccoli, <a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/one_hour_dinner_rolls">One Hour Dinner Rolls</a><br />Tuesday: Lasagna, Spinach salad, leftover rolls<br />Wednesday: Chicken Stir Fry, Brown Rice<br />Thursday: White Bean Chicken Chili, rolls<br />Friday: Pork Tenderloin on grill, Grilled Veggies, Roasted Red Potatoes<br />Saturday-Chicken/Veggie Kebabs on grill, Rice Pilaf, Spinach Salad<br />Sunday- Dinner with familyKassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-51143165226799817682011-03-15T18:12:00.004-05:002011-04-02T18:44:21.850-05:00I should've Been Born ItalianAt least most of the time I think so. I swoon over olives and pesto, and live for a good pasta dish. When we were in St.Louis this weekend we visited 'The Hill', which is their Italian neighborhood. It is lovely, with lots of small family restaurants and businesses. Even their fire hydrants are painted green, white and red like the Italian flag.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeMxo8kEQQNuvFI2bGbYryOlDFFvVAfT5ehgzbRtub4KQVKftl-Kxpk7KU-owksGUhCqnAap5W19NMBNHnagn_dNXk7I1kVP1MfiHueIyi1KQKUqZKYmDJqSf2DxQH3wIIUjQlJs1OOQ/s1600/firehydrant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeMxo8kEQQNuvFI2bGbYryOlDFFvVAfT5ehgzbRtub4KQVKftl-Kxpk7KU-owksGUhCqnAap5W19NMBNHnagn_dNXk7I1kVP1MfiHueIyi1KQKUqZKYmDJqSf2DxQH3wIIUjQlJs1OOQ/s320/firehydrant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584451613274821890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While we walked around and geared up for lunch, we stopped in at <a href="http://www.shopviviano.com/">this </a>Italian grocery store. It was amazing! Here's what I came out with:<br /><br /> 1/2 lb Black Sicilian Olives<br /> 1/2 lb Large Green Olives<br /> Balsamic Vinegar<br /> Artichoke hearts<br /> Bay Leaves<br /> Cinnamon sticks<br /> 1 lb fresh mozzarella<br /> 2 bottles of wine ( 2 for $7! )<br /> 3 quarts Extra Virgin Olive Oil ( $15.99, insane! A small bottle around here is $10)<br /><br />I could have brought home much more but I stopped myself. After lunch at Adriana's- a small place with killer sandwiches, we were stuffed and ready to head home. Oh how I wish we had ethnic grocery stores at home; they beat Walmart any day.Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-72206125913581079722011-03-08T10:41:00.005-06:002011-03-08T11:23:17.682-06:00Spring, Gardens, and CSA's<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XXDNrHh6C3_LahqskG3Ml2bBUJS8SCVti-geM1aCdZkXi1EJ_fwEI86AaJODWDFOQgttwf1mRC96mnDnpmBcpJzNcAVunxSe8cP3cLwHi3Qk2P5eRraEvOSghTali4BnjFlhBQOiV5s/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XXDNrHh6C3_LahqskG3Ml2bBUJS8SCVti-geM1aCdZkXi1EJ_fwEI86AaJODWDFOQgttwf1mRC96mnDnpmBcpJzNcAVunxSe8cP3cLwHi3Qk2P5eRraEvOSghTali4BnjFlhBQOiV5s/s320/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581751004370976034" border="0" /></a><br /> Pictured Above: Lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, radishes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZd5L98NXkJD-8qgiqOJFZx7l9Sdh80dsP5ySs2EEEGSySnB2DV0rG8QjrTxL0yIYwG4AV3dXbRtuvOjjRdxRPDyuSp61ioDiBl3tWB-p9A6Qd_rfQ2QZzY6jy7x240tne1LcmK2EeQc/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZd5L98NXkJD-8qgiqOJFZx7l9Sdh80dsP5ySs2EEEGSySnB2DV0rG8QjrTxL0yIYwG4AV3dXbRtuvOjjRdxRPDyuSp61ioDiBl3tWB-p9A6Qd_rfQ2QZzY6jy7x240tne1LcmK2EeQc/s320/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581751327690575570" border="0" /></a> This little guy is a brandywine tomato<br /><br /><br /><br />After last summer's ' just throw something in the ground and hope it grows' attempt at gardening, this year we are trying to plan ahead and plant according to *ahem* schedule. In our defense, we didn't close on our house until the end of May, so we were running against the clock. Even so, we had an overabundance of green beans, tomatoes, zucchini and herbs.<br /><br />This year, we're starting lots of seeds indoors and planting the cooler weather seeds early. The 'early' crops include lettuce, spinach, beets, carrots, turnips, radishes, peas, kale, etc. We're also tearing down a dilapidated shed in the back yard to make room for a bigger garden that is more out of the way of foot traffic.<br /><br />Here's a little run down of what we're growing:<br /><br />Tomatoes- 6 varieties: brandywine, heirloom mix, cherry, tinkerbell, beefy boy,ildi<br />Lettuce- 3 varieties<br />Spinach- curly and baby<br />Kale<br />Green Onions<br />Turnips<br />Radishes<br />Beets<br />Carrots<br />Peas - sugar snap and snow peas<br />Broccoli<br />Cauliflower<br />Zucchini- green and yellow<br />Bush beans- purple, yellow and green<br />Peppers- rainbow sweet, jalapeno, sweet pickle peppers<br />Cucumbers- slicing and pickling<br />Eggplant<br />Winter squash mix<br />Herbs- basil, oregano, cilantro,summer savory, lavender,chives<br />Red potatoes<br />Sweet potatoes<br />Strawberries<br />Blackberries<br /><br />...I'm not really sure if this is everything, but its what I can think of off the top of my head. Crazy? Maybe. But why not? We have the yard space and its a fun, cheap hobby that gets our whole family outside. I received a canner when we got married, and haven't used it yet. Hopefully this summer that will change. We need to buy a deep freeze as well. I'm hoping we can freeze/can a decent amount of produce.<br /><br />We also signed up for a CSA share! I'm so excited <a href="http://www.dearingdesigns.com/farm/">Dearing Country Farms</a> is a local farm not too far from our house. They have lots of produce, chickens, eggs and sell beef as well. Each week for 22 weeks we will pick up a basket of whatever produce is ready. That way, I figure even if our garden flops, we'll still have some fresh local produce :)<br /><br />Can you tell I'm ready for spring?Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-5508240546377697022011-03-03T13:20:00.003-06:002011-03-03T13:32:34.012-06:00It's here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bargainblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/jills-steals-and-deals.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 231px;" src="http://www.bargainblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/jills-steals-and-deals.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Back in December, I participated in the Today Show's Jill's Steals And Deals. For those who don't know, every once in a while during the morning show Jill has 5-6 products that the company has offered at a huge discount. You go to their website and order with a Today Show code, and you get that item, usually 50-75% ( or more) off.<br /><br />I never call in to things like this, but I saw a <a href="http://www.christinepriceinc.com/">Christine Price </a>bag that I thought was just beautiful. I don't buy luxury handbags- in fact mine usually come from the clearance rack from Target. This bag was normally $329, a price I never would or could pay. But it was $50! Fifty dollars! For a genuine leather, designer handbag that celebrities walk around with. Holy moly.<br /><br />Soo...I ordered it, and told the hubby it could be a Christmas present. He agreed, and I waited. And waited. Weeks, months went by, and I finally received an email that the bag was shipped and should be here -no later- than February 18th. Well, that didn't happen but today folks, UPS showed up at my front door with this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw94c5FvSKUhFXnWHeZBrwcgRr23BDT87nPLbYqUZtwfQXUT2briFA6jOZr_OmS4BhoJlMO0Y9yUNtn4hyIxRAOfHfni3wFjPupWmq_QozmgtXzFbaC3e98yT9lBFrPC07qwfmtbCOXRY/s1600/bag07_color01_front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw94c5FvSKUhFXnWHeZBrwcgRr23BDT87nPLbYqUZtwfQXUT2briFA6jOZr_OmS4BhoJlMO0Y9yUNtn4hyIxRAOfHfni3wFjPupWmq_QozmgtXzFbaC3e98yT9lBFrPC07qwfmtbCOXRY/s320/bag07_color01_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579938234349850002" border="0" /></a><br /> I guess my $9 bag that is coming apart can finally be tossed now. This bag can hold diapers, sippy cups, my wallet and planner, all with room to spare. Now watch me fill it up so it weighs approximately 75 lbs.Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-91970188331030217902011-03-02T10:34:00.003-06:002011-03-02T10:42:01.288-06:00Doula!Doula? Um...what's that?<br /><br />This is the reaction I have been getting over the past few weeks as I've told family & friends of our decision to hire a doula for this labor/delivery. As I explain what she will do, they seem to understand...sort of. Nevertheless, I am excited because I think having a labor support person could be a fantastic asset. With my last birth, I was on pit and constant EFM, which made it very difficult to move around.<br /><br />This time around, my midwife told me that if I did need constant monitoring, I could use a telemetry monitor and have more mobility. I hope I won't, but just in case its nice to know. My blood pressure didn't rise until 29 weeks last time around, so I have no idea if that will happen again. But either way, I think having that person there to support me will help me have the most natural birth I can.<br /><br />I can't believe I'm halfway there, time is flying. I've got so much to do- we're moving my daughter to a different room and a big girl bed, so I need to get the room decorated. We're also debating whether to attempt potty training before the baby. I've heard opinions both ways. The munchkin is 19 months and I wouldn't try just yet, but I was thinking closer to summer. Any advice?Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-18930315259264085502011-03-02T10:21:00.004-06:002011-03-02T10:28:57.771-06:00Healthy+ Frugal?<span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">In our household, we've been on a question for the past several years to eat healthier. It started with throwing out margarine in favor of olive oil, and has gone from there. We're also on a budget, so going completely organic isn't an option at this point. However, I've just placed my order with Park seed company and we're planning on tripling our garden from last summer. So hopefully by August I'll be up to my eyeballs in canning and freezing!<br /><br />As my pregnancy has progressed, I've gotten past the all day/all night sickness portion, but I still have some issues. As with my daughter, I simply can't eat much, or it comes back up. I've been cooking a lot lately with spinach and kale, because we need to get more dark leafy greens into our diet. But something about the texture of kale makes it hard for me to keep down. So..here is my solution!<br /><br />1 handful spinach<br />1-2 large kale leaves, spine removed<br />Frozen fruit- strawberries/raspberries/blueberries/tropical blend/ fresh banana/whatever we have on hand<br />Lowfat vanilla yogurt<br />Dash orange juice<br />1 tbsp coconut milk powder<br />1 tsp flax seed<br /><br />Smoothies! I never knew I could hide so much good stuff in a tasty drink. Its also much easier for me to keep down.<br /><br />So its not all ( or even mostly) organic..but I figure it's a start. With our gardening efforts coming up, I'm hoping that will cut down our grocery budget while allowing us to eat produce we know was grown without nasty chemicals.<br /></span></span>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-80809690369760297582010-10-04T20:53:00.002-05:002010-10-04T21:12:03.492-05:00Menu Planning & Eating From the Pantry<span style="font-family: georgia;">With our recent home purchase/remodel, and attempting to sell our old place, finances have been so tight they squeak! In the end, we will be in a much better financial position- but for the meantime, things are rough. I've been trying to find ways to save money, and stretch the few allotted dollars we have. For several years I've read blogs that demonstrate meal planning, coupon shopping, and using up things from the pantry. I can blame nothing but laziness for not attempting them before now. Couponing seems too overwhelming for me at the moment, but I thought I could take inventory of our pantry and see what I could come up with! I love cooking so this should be an interesting challenge.<br /><br />Menu Plan Monday<br /><br /><br />Monday-<br /> B toast with homemade jam, yogurt, banana, milk<br /> L out to eat with mom and sister ( I didn't pay so it doesn't count! :) )<br /> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> D mexican scrambled egg burritos, broccoli, iced tea</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tuesday-<br />B oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar, milk or tea<br /> L turkey sandwiches, carrot sticks, water<br /> D pb & j sandwich @ work, turkey sandwich/chips/carrot sticks for hubby at home<br />Wednesday-<br /> B scrambled eggs & toast, banana, milk or apple juice<br /> L tomato soup & grilled cheese<br /> D grilled salmon, broccoli, rice<br />Thursday-<br /> B cold cereal, yogurt, milk or juice<br /> L pb & j sandwich taken to work, carrot sticks, granola bar<br /> D honey ham, garlic potatoes, frozen mixed veggie blend<br />Friday-<br /> B oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar, milk or tea or juice<br /> L chicken noodle soup, canned peaches<br /> D ham/cheese/potato crockpot dinner, frozen mixed veggie blend<br />Saturday-<br /> B cold cereal for hubby, yogurt & toast + banana (taken to work for me), at home for baby<br /> L turkey sandwich taken to work and carrots, leftovers for hubby & baby<br /> D homemade pizza, salad, homemade garlic bread<br /> Sunday-<br /> B lemon poppyseed muffins, bananas, milk/coffee/juice/tea<br /> L sandwich + carrots for me @ work, leftovers for hubby & baby<br /> D dinner @ my parents house<br /><br />Whew! While that was certainly not the most creative menu I've ever made, it does utilize the things I have in the cupboard and fridge/freezer right now. I can probably spend $10 or less this week buying things to make meals. We were given a ginormous ham from my parents, so I'm sure we will be sick of ham by the end of the week but it will certainly stretch! We'll see how the week goes!<br /></span>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-47929236835998111902010-09-22T16:51:00.002-05:002010-09-22T17:04:38.849-05:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xk0Z1P54-CmRs20AAgj12MkUIU35ngX3PfPYfFuG5RkPIueyj6nttDMpGewvYbvcIOO_ZmtymSjhmDlRQDhliwaGjSKzTtqUPDeMV1eHClk1_J-DrXwLjPywfBzp7LsS7210s1wzWKI/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xk0Z1P54-CmRs20AAgj12MkUIU35ngX3PfPYfFuG5RkPIueyj6nttDMpGewvYbvcIOO_ZmtymSjhmDlRQDhliwaGjSKzTtqUPDeMV1eHClk1_J-DrXwLjPywfBzp7LsS7210s1wzWKI/s320/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519860246064480354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1TQWeTS5doTRE9_gcUYV98WCDRwTTd8f8j0YPoW9jvyEPsvWHg8HoEOXjjFVkQIyJna7Zf6iJuW8pjGvZJ2xjMdBYHgtp3HIfJsYFr79BBZ-5qdPgDiD8o4LDa3V3f1DSsfWfXDQTXw/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1TQWeTS5doTRE9_gcUYV98WCDRwTTd8f8j0YPoW9jvyEPsvWHg8HoEOXjjFVkQIyJna7Zf6iJuW8pjGvZJ2xjMdBYHgtp3HIfJsYFr79BBZ-5qdPgDiD8o4LDa3V3f1DSsfWfXDQTXw/s320/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519860240267481234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfkP2aN0-YSQnJxKIU-8Z0gFyOJMRQzTtYXQpzKpPygNAlceIDRlCeyP_lapU2HOHbKWanrad4PA5v57-3cqvxfRGtCZ5mqgd-pGonW4pAupJ0bjZ-OOdLRLdkpOcuEBmLsC6TQKFliQ/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfkP2aN0-YSQnJxKIU-8Z0gFyOJMRQzTtYXQpzKpPygNAlceIDRlCeyP_lapU2HOHbKWanrad4PA5v57-3cqvxfRGtCZ5mqgd-pGonW4pAupJ0bjZ-OOdLRLdkpOcuEBmLsC6TQKFliQ/s320/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519860229196664386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno6aN0z-pH2eX21MYJnBEzQopm6tFDniDXgOlQaqTpopzN5RC3bsUmz-i23NtMRadpQUTOmGalX-f5RkKkGtq86Zr4qRlvC-zc-_2_Y93VhGXbXA2BayxF5E7s5YmNDFyJdp8UzQULZE/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno6aN0z-pH2eX21MYJnBEzQopm6tFDniDXgOlQaqTpopzN5RC3bsUmz-i23NtMRadpQUTOmGalX-f5RkKkGtq86Zr4qRlvC-zc-_2_Y93VhGXbXA2BayxF5E7s5YmNDFyJdp8UzQULZE/s320/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519860216192909554" border="0" /></a>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-10932354937096777442010-09-15T02:36:00.004-05:002010-09-15T02:45:29.695-05:00Big Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUAzEYz3dfhQODbWg5x1bmsC5DHoytGe3_9nH_DuIzmvHYAQplY8NfTaHzEvi29fUqklOOL3jK8X_oBgzbwq1Y1sLX7X7TA-mkAXjzf8Msuz2fkduUIG5RiaMy8HSVvRe1xtvOTujImU/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUAzEYz3dfhQODbWg5x1bmsC5DHoytGe3_9nH_DuIzmvHYAQplY8NfTaHzEvi29fUqklOOL3jK8X_oBgzbwq1Y1sLX7X7TA-mkAXjzf8Msuz2fkduUIG5RiaMy8HSVvRe1xtvOTujImU/s320/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517042199880269826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">My days are going like this : pack, pack, sand, prime, paint, chase baby, pack pack pack, paint, paint, chase baby, paint, pack, paint some more....repeat x100.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Back in May we purchased a foreclosure and have spent the entire summer remodeling. The.Whole.House. Top to bottom. It has been lots and lots of hard work and headaches, but it has come out beautifully. I can't believe were are homeowners and will finally be moving to a small town!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Also- my Power90 arrived today-woohoo! I spent some time this afternoon reading everything over and am super pumped to begin the workouts tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Later this week I'll have a post about the remodel, and some before-during-after pictures, as well as how this whole being homeowners thing came to be for us. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Until then!</span>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-10271245039446443682010-09-08T18:11:00.007-05:002010-09-10T23:47:59.775-05:00P90X For Wimps<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">I've been a yo-yo dieter all my life- I come by this honestly, many in my family are this same way. I could probably think of at least 10 times my mom lost a bunch of weight with Weight Watchers, only to gain it back before finally losing about 80 lbs 5 years ago and keeping it off. I was chubby during the latter half of Elementary schools, and into Jr. High. I was incredibly depressed and self-conscious and wanted to fit in, so I began a schedule of exercise and starvation. I became very thin, getting down to about 120 lbs ( which on a 5'10 big boned frame is about a size 3). Of course, it was incredibly unhealthy. </span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Oftentimes I'd eat 500-700 calories a </span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">day and exercise several hours as well. I binged & purged, and worked out obsessively if I deviated from my diet at all. After several years, I finally came out of this as my health began to suffer.<br /><br />What happened next was a gradual weight gain, over the course of high school and beginning of college. I hovered around a size 14, then up to a 16, and finally, 18 and got more and more depressed. When I got married two years ago, I refused to have engagement pictures taken because I was too embarrassed to put them in the local papers for fear of what f</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">ormer classmates and family friends would think. My husband has always been supportive of me, through thick and thin ( literally) but to be honest, I'm miserable.<br /><br />When I became pregnant with my daughter, I lost weight. I knew I couldn't afford to gain so I ate healthily, and a hefty dose of nausea and acid reflux helped keep my eating in check. Even so, I was diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension. I went on medication, and was monitored closely. Thankfully, my daughter and I are both quite healthy, but who knows? If I weighed 50 lbs less, it may have never happened. On the other</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> hand, it might happen again no matter what I weigh..but still. After she was born, I lost a quick 20 lbs but managed to gain it back while sitting at home and being lonely with a newborn.<br /><br />So, where does this leave me 1 year after her birth? Ready for a new lifestyle, that's for sure! I do n</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">ot want to slip back into obsessive calorie counting and exercise again, as I know I'm prone to do. So my goal is simply to eat healthily, eat smaller amounts, and get a consistent exercise routine going.<br /><br />I'm sure y'all have heard of P90X, well...I'm not in good enough shape for that. But the same company has a 'baby P90x' of sorts, called <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/power90.do">Power90</a>. It is designed for out of shape people, and is 3 months long. I ordered it today and am an</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">xiously awaiting its arrival. I'm hoping a structured, daily workout will help me gain strength and get in the habit of working out & feeling better about myself. In addition, I am logging my food intake at sparkpeople.com, and using some of their goal tracking tools.<br /><br />I hope to document this transition on the blo</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">g..the successes, and plateaus, new recipes and hopefully some inspirational stories. My first goal is 50 lbs, and I'll re-evaluate after that. I also indulged in a tried and true pick me up this week :<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIgrq_c7Jhua1N7RhFscNNLhb9MtK0eicpphnMocT-Xx63XL0VdQDOHSA12cXnoaSwEEqxRXQnJZVEOcDthxFMlM23Pc48JosmqCoi7KgPk1VxyyarOUVsiwH8LVirrxeAxWFVlf0I5Y/s1600/087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIgrq_c7Jhua1N7RhFscNNLhb9MtK0eicpphnMocT-Xx63XL0VdQDOHSA12cXnoaSwEEqxRXQnJZVEOcDthxFMlM23Pc48JosmqCoi7KgPk1VxyyarOUVsiwH8LVirrxeAxWFVlf0I5Y/s320/087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514689721736905986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">And tonight I'm coloring my hair, so that should be interesting as well. Its sad to say, but in many ways I feel like I've given up, because I feel so unattractive. Hopefully I can strengthen not just my body, but my relationship with God as well, because if I look for fulfillment in appearance alone, I will always be lacking.<br /><br />'I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me'<br /><br />Phil 4:13<br /><br /><br /></span>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-30699343525027368062010-09-08T17:03:00.004-05:002010-09-08T17:11:22.668-05:00New Season, Big Changes<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">As summer draws to a close, and Fall begins to creep in, I've decided to do some reflecting on my priorities. Blogging has fallen behind a long list of other things occupying my time, but not for my lack of desire to write. I've tried many things to start a new post...and found nothing that sparked my interest to blog about.<br /><br />But in the end, I've realized that writing really is an outlet for me, something that helps break up the monotony of day to day chores and routines. Other blogs inspire me to think critically, examine other ideas/ways of life, and inspire me with ways to enrich my own.<br /><br />So here I go- I'm going to just start writing until I get back in the hang of it. I don't even know if anyone checks this blog anymore, but I'm hoping to have some interesting & thought-provoking posts here soon! :)<br /></span></span>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-8965333150956130742010-03-02T14:47:00.002-06:002010-03-02T14:58:00.041-06:00<div style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;" id="songlyrics" align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I repent, I repent of my pursuit of America's dream</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I repent, I repent of living like I deserve anything</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Of my house, my fence, my kids, my wife</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> In our suburb where we're safe and white</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I am wrong and of these things I repent</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I repent, I repent of parading my liberty</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I repent. I repent of paying for what I get for free</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> For the way I believe that I am living right</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> By trading sins for others that are easier to hide</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I am wrong and of these things I repent</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I repent judging by a law that even I can't keep</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Of wearing righteousness like a disguise</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Just to see through the planks in my own eyes</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I repent, I repent of trading truth for false unity</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I repent, I repent of confusing peace and idolatry</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Of caring more of what they think than what I know of what we need</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Of domesticating you until you look just like me</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I am wrong and of these things I repent</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Derek Webb's " I Repent"</span><br /></div>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-80932713362243864302010-03-02T14:43:00.003-06:002010-03-02T14:47:05.404-06:00Shameless photo post<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aj2j99QMPyMcBNDgmM6EpgvnMyuppzPdCO4ySGgi5AGrfyrxigfKYgUDvW5uiNNOiehCrOm0cnZUMZIQxTlhIK9cTwa5T7Yga3xK3-6kUbAMNw8WL_b40l9_rv2bG2kys592KCDY0Gk/s1600-h/034.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aj2j99QMPyMcBNDgmM6EpgvnMyuppzPdCO4ySGgi5AGrfyrxigfKYgUDvW5uiNNOiehCrOm0cnZUMZIQxTlhIK9cTwa5T7Yga3xK3-6kUbAMNw8WL_b40l9_rv2bG2kys592KCDY0Gk/s200/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444140270910904834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEZF9YKVmfLrScAJFXrTFrhmZglDi4EM1f-0TudOShrE6k04Rk_PZysEbBt0HKoyXBm4G3un3h6q_JYl4n7nos6GvYZYwBsI8Irjx6NE5M28Tx_3g7Kmk1vpQumLj0V1KgGH0ARsTbgc/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEZF9YKVmfLrScAJFXrTFrhmZglDi4EM1f-0TudOShrE6k04Rk_PZysEbBt0HKoyXBm4G3un3h6q_JYl4n7nos6GvYZYwBsI8Irjx6NE5M28Tx_3g7Kmk1vpQumLj0V1KgGH0ARsTbgc/s200/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444140261223011362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHSFmEZ-krVY5qZvGEsO235d9Jv-xWdbO5NAoSlqFUC0M7S1mKajcy6EpeJIOEfxRMvo_AolUxbdUhtbz8YXe-ol7QewdeimzLU_aYIU5mCgvTkegmzkJPoDF2y9S4nPsxLLiaQNdiT8/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHSFmEZ-krVY5qZvGEsO235d9Jv-xWdbO5NAoSlqFUC0M7S1mKajcy6EpeJIOEfxRMvo_AolUxbdUhtbz8YXe-ol7QewdeimzLU_aYIU5mCgvTkegmzkJPoDF2y9S4nPsxLLiaQNdiT8/s200/039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444140258444579154" border="0" /></a>Kassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247409657200675928.post-587514223262798962010-02-14T01:05:00.002-06:002010-02-14T01:36:47.522-06:00Every SeasonThe last few months have been some of the best-and most challenging- of my life. The joyous arrival of a healthy baby girl, and time spent learning what it is to be a new family- are wonderful things. However, all of these wonderful events have had a dark side for me. Blame it on postpartum hormones, blame it on a discontented spirit; either way, I haven't been happy. Whether it was struggling with nursing, extremely low self esteem, weight loss, or super tight finances..each day has been a battle. First it was TV- if only we had cable and internet back, I'd have something to watch or keep me entertained while I was up all hours with the baby. Then it was my husband's car breaking down (thus turning us into a one car family)- which left me at home with a newborn and no ability to go places, every.single.day. If only we had 2 cars again, I'd be happy. Then it was fantastic weight loss, which turned into weight gain as I started taking Domperidone, a medication to help with milk supply- which also made me pack back on the pounds. If I lost weight I'd be happy. Other days I'd think if only we had a bigger/better house, I'd be happy. If only my husband graduated sooner and got a better paying job quicker, life would be better. I especially thought this after more than one argument about where my maternity leave savings had gone; because it had all but vanished- whoosh! Gone. That's right, more money would make me happy.<br /><br />Except...<br /><br />Contentment in where I am now, with what I have now, is the only thing that will be fulfilling. We've never gone without, are taken care of and have endless things to be thankful for. I've got a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, great friends and family, and no material object or social ideal will ever compare.<br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4WYK6TxWX7s&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4WYK6TxWX7s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />This is one of my favorite songs- one that reminds me that no matter where I am, or whats going on- I have much to be thankful for. God teaches us lessons in every circumstance, if we are willing to see and to listen. I'm actually pretty ashamed to admit my lack of contentment. Wise people have always told me that faith-like life- is about the journey and not a destination. May I remember this and purpose to see the good in each small thing, and to take joy in where He has me.<br /><br /><br />And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.<br /><br />Romans 8:28, ESVKassiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05471378047018025936noreply@blogger.com0